Graphic Design

The Northwest Difference

Students majoring in art with an emphasis in graphic design learn to create powerful, compelling design work that meets the needs of clients. Faculty ensure students learn the fundamentals of art and graduate with a diverse portfolio to use skills and tools in different aspects. Students get experience creating an idea-driven visual and create new ways to give a message that helps to educate and inform an audience.

Graphic design majors work closely with professionals and are actively involved in Northwest programs. Student engagement provides many opportunities for experimental learning including internships on the Northwest campus.

Career Opportunities

93%
placement rate

93% of art majors find employment or continue their education within six months after graduation. Below is a list of job titles related to this major:

Graphic designer

Creative Designer

Print designer

*Based on self-reported data.

Career Ready. Day One.

Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read Hannah's story »

At the end of each course, the team makes a formal presentation or client pitch in an attempt to convince the client to use their project. This experience aligns with the digital marketing and advertising agencies competing for clients.

The following organizations have been clients of Knacktive:

2011 – Cincinnati-based LasikPlus Vision

2012 – Science City, located in Kansas City at the Union Station

2013 – Tri-State Ford

2014 – Horace Mann Laboratory School

2015 – DecisionFx, located in Kansas City

Student Organizations

Big Shoe Graphics is a work-for-profit student-run advertising agency. Clients present their needs to the students, and teams submit concepts for review and selected concepts are paid by the client. Once a client is satisfied with the layout proposal, advanced students act as freelancers creating work under the director's guidance. The tag line for Big Shoe Graphics is “An experience you can profit from,” and over the years they have created logos for hospitals, start-up companies, children’s books, brochures, websites, animations, interactive tutorials, textile designs and creative writing magazines.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their academic development. Faculty members provide short-term study programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available: faculty-led and traditional study abroad.

The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.

The Northwest Difference

Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.